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Donna Edmunds later expressed ‘regret’ for her remarks (Picture: Solent)

In today’s Ukip meltdown news, a councillor has said business owners should have the right to turn away people based on their gender, sexuality or race.

Donna Edmunds, district councillor in Lewes and an MEP candidate for the south-east told an online forum that ultimately ‘it’s their business’.

‘I believe that all business owners, Christian, Muslim, gay, straight, should be allowed to withhold their services from whomever they choose whenever they choose,’ she said after being asked her views on Oxfordshire councillor David Silvester, who was expelled from the party for blaming the floods on the legalisation of gay marriage.

Ms Edmunds later tried to clarify her views as coming from a libertarian standpoint.

‘I wouldn’t refuse to serve gay people. I’m not saying their position is a correct one. I’m saying they should be free to make that choice themselves,’ she told the Argus.

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A later statement expressed ‘regret’ at her comments.

‘I in no way endorse any form of discrimination. I believe in cutting red tape for business and I also strongly believe in an individual’s personal and religious freedoms, but I stand against any form of prejudice,’ the councillor added.

‘I hope this remark has not caused any embarrassment for the party.’

Ukip meanwhile said the comments were ‘somewhat misguided’.

‘We do not endorse the position intimated, but we believe she has apologised for the remarks,’ a spokesperson told the Huffington Post.